Garment or ironing press



Jan. 18, 1938. P. N. BRAUN ET AL 2,105,938

GARMENT OR IRONING PRESS Original Filed April 2 2 Sheets-Sheet l mamas Fan. 18, 1938. P. N. BRAUN ET AL' GARMENT OR IRONING PRESS Original Filed April 20; 1929 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 wmmws wmmvxs Patented Jan. 18, 1938 UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE assignors to The Prosperity Company Inc.,

Syracuse, N. Y., a corporation of New York Application April 20, 1929, Serial No. 356,797

Renewed October 17, 1936 3'7 Claims.

This invention relates to pressing machines as garment and laundry or ironing presses which have an opening and closing movement and in which there is liability of an operator bemg injured duringthe closing of the press especially where more than one operator is tending or arranging work on the machine or press.

An object of the invention is to devise a garment or ironing press having a movable member which is shiftable by the operator in order to close the press and requires the operatorto step away from the press. The movable member may extend transversely of the press so that it pushes any other operator oroperators away from the press when shifted.

Another object is to have the operator actuated means for operating the control means for the motor carried by the movable member.

t Otherobjects appear throughout the specificaion.

The invention consists in the novel features and in the combinations and constructions hereinafter set forth and claimed.

In describing this invention, reference is had to the accompanying drawings in which like characters designate corresponding parts in all the views.

Figure 1 is a side elevation, parts being omitted, of a machine or press embodying this invention and with the press in open position. v

Figure 2 is a front .elevation of the press and the parts thereof seen in Figure 1, with some of the mechanism not pertinent to the'invention being omitted.

Figure 3 is an enlarged fragmentary detail view, partly in section, of the movable member or guard bar and one of the manuals carried thereby for controlling the closing of the press.

Figure 4 is an enlarged fragmentary detail view member showing the coacting coupling parts as;-

sociated with the movable member or guard bar and contiguous parts of the shifting means therefor operated by the manual shown in Figure 3,;

Figure 4, but with the operating means for the.

motor control mechanism in coacting relation with each other when the guard bar has been partly in section, of a portion of the movable.

The motor control shifted'tooperated position away from the press so that the motor control means may be operated.

This machine comprises cooperating pressing elements or jaws, one of which is movable to ward and from theother, operating mechanism .5 for actuating the movable element or jaw including motor means, and a movable member or guard bar on the operator side of the machine normally arranged near the machine and which mustbe moved away from the press in order 1 to close the same. The guard bar preferably extends the full dimension of the operator side of the machine. I

As shown, the operator side of the machine is the front side only and the movable member or guard bar extends substantially the full width of the machine, that is, a distance equal to the length of the pressing elements, it being understood that' the pressing elements are arranged with their long dimension transversely of the 20 frame of the machine.

I However, in some machines, one or two of the operators may stand at the end or ends of the pressing jaws, that is, either lateral side or both sides of the machine in which event, the bar would be shaped to guard the lateral sides as well as the front, side.

The machine or press here illustrated comprises an upper pressing jaw, element or a head I movable toward and from the lower element or buck 2 suitably mounted on a frame'3. The pressing elements or jaws are large in this type of machine and the press is usually tended by more than one operator. l

The movable jaw l is actuated by operating mechanism which will now be described. The head I is carried by a yoke lever 4 pivoted at 5 between its ends to an upright 6 on the frame and is actuated by means connected to the rear arm of the yoke lever 4.

The motor means of the operating mechanism is fluid or pressure operated and in the illustrated embodiment of my invention, is operable with a two step operation. One step will preliminarily close the press head or bring the head I down close to the buck 2 and the second step will bring the head into final heavy pressing coaction with the buck 2. The press may be closed, if desired, with final heavy pressure in a one step operation.

The motor. means here illustrated comprises two cylinders I and 8 and pistons therein operable successively to preliminarily close and finally close the press, or operable together to close the press in one operation. The cylinder 1 is as shown as mounted on the back leg 6 of the frame and as having its piston rod l8 connected to the rear arm of the yoke lever 4. The cylinder 8 is shown as located on the under side of the frame beneath the buck 2 and having the rod ll of its piston l2 connected to motion transmitting means between the piston rod and the rear arm of the yoke lever 4. As here shown, the piston rod'l I is pivoted at l3 to the front .end of a link l4 connected at its rear end at l5 to the toggle consisting of links l6, l1, these links being pivoted together at l8. The link I6 is pivoted at l9 to the rear. end of the yoke lever 4 and the link I1 is pivoted at 2|! to the base of the frame. The link I4 is here shown as pivoted to the link l1.

The link I4 is guided in its movement by a stationary cam slot 24, the, link I4 having a follower 23 movable along the slot. The follower 23 is mounted on the link M at a point spaced from the pivot |3 connecting the piston rod H and the link. The upper part of the cam slot is inclined but slightly out of the horizontal so that the link acts as a lever somewhat during the initial part of the closing movement of the press while the follower is moving along the horizontal or upper part of the. slot. The lower part of the cam slot is inclined out of the vertical and when the follower 23 moves in the lower part of the cam slot, the link' I4 is pulled endwise, without any lever movement to straighten.

the toggle. The movement, of the head into partially closed position by the piston and the cylinder 1 partly straightensthe toggle and then when motive fluid is permitted to enter the cylinder 8, the link l4 further straightens the toggle. I

As the motor means is pressure operated, the controls therefor, that is, the means for controlling the flow of motive fluid to and from the same, are valves. The motors 1 and 6 are single acting and the press is opened by countersprings 2|, 22 when the force or pressure on the piston l2 tending to hold it closed is released. The control mechanism for controlling the operation of the motor means will now be described.

The casing 25 of the control valve for the cylinder 1 has a normally closed spring pressed intake valve 26 therein and a normally open.

exhaust valve 21 controlling an exhaust port 26. These valves 26 and 21 are connected together by a stem 29 so that they operate as a unit. The intake end of the casing 25 is connected by a pipe 36 to a source of supply of motive fluid, as compressed air, and a combined intake and exhaust pipe 3| leads from the casing 25 at a point between the valves to the intake port 32 of the cylinder 1. The valves are automatically locked in their operated positions preferably, by pressure operated means as a diaphragm chamber 33 having a diaphragm 34 therein which acts upon a sliding stem 35 thrusting against one arm of a member 36 in the form of a lever pivoted at v 31 to the valve casing and thrusting at 38 against the stem 33 of the exhaust valve 21. This lever 36 is one of the coacting coupling parts to be therein to preliminarily close the press, and. air

also passes from the valve casing 25 through a duct 46, not previously referred to, to the pres .the end of its out or power stroke.

sure 'side of the diaphragm chamber 38 to actuate the diaphragm 34 and lock the valves 26 and 21in their operated position. The valves are released by exhausting the air from the diaphragm chamber as will be hereinafter described.

The flow of motive fluid to the cylinder 8 is controlled by a similar valve mechanism including a valve casing 4| having a normally closed spring pressed intake valve 42 therein, a normally open exhaust valve 43 controlling a port 44. These valves 42 and 43 are connected together by a stem 45 so that they operate as a unit. The intake end of the casing 4| is connected to a feed pipe 46 for compressed air and the casing is' connected from a point between the valves, by pipe 41, to a master valve mechanism 49 which is connected by the pipe 46 to the,

intake port 58 of the cylinder 8. The valves 42, 4,3 are actuated by a control member or coacting coupling part in the form of a lever 66 similar to the lever 36 and pivoted at 6| between its ends so as to coact at 62 with the stem 63 of the exhaust valve 43.

The master valve mechanism 48 comprises a casing 5| having a normally closed spring pressed intake valve 52 therein, and a normally open exhaust valve 53 controlling the outlet port 54. The valves 52 and 53 are connected together by a stem 55 so that they operate as a unit. The intake end of the valve casing 56 is connected to a feed pipe 56 and the casing is connected at a point between the valves 52 and 53 to the pipe 46 previously referred to. The valves 52, 53 are operated by a diaphragm 51 in a diaphragm chamber 58, the pressure side of which is connected to the pipe 41. The diaphragm acts on the stem 58 of the exhaust valve 53.

The valves 42, 43 are locked in their operated position by a diaphragm chamber 64 having a diaphragm 65 therein acting on a sliding stem 66 which thrusts against one arm of the lever 60.

The pressure side of the diaphragm chamber 64 is connected to a pipe 61 which in turn is connected to a pipe 68. The pipe 68 connects with a port in a casing 63 on the cylinder 6, the port opening into the cylinder 8 in position to be uncovered by the piston |2 when the piston is at Obviously, when the piston |2 has uncovered the port in the casing 66, air will pass back through the pipe 61 to the diaphragm chamber 64 and actuate the diaphragm 65 therein which inturn actuates the stem 66 and the lever 60 to hold the valves 42, 43 in their operated position.

The press is opened by exhausting the air from the pressure side of the diaphragm chambers 64, 33 to permit the valves 42, 43 in the casing 4| and the valves 26, 21 in the casing 25 to return to their normal position. The return of the valves 42, 43 to their normal position, permits the air to exhaust from the pressure side of the diaphragm chamber 58 through the pipe 41, valve casing 4| and exhaust port 44, and hence, permits the valves 52, 53 of the master valve to return to their normal position, so that the air exhausts from'the cylinder 8 back through the pipe 46, valve casing 5| and out through port 54. When the valves 26, 21 return totheir normal position, the air therein exhausts from the cylinder 1 back through the pipe 3|, valve casing 25 and out through exhaust port 28. Hence, when all valves are thus returned to their initial positions, thepress is free to open under the influence of the springs 2|, 22,

The air is permitted to exhaust from the diaembodiment of my inventiomthe front side. The

iii

phragm chambers 64, 33 by a trip or release lever III which when operated, Opens two normally closed spring pressed exhaust or release valves II and 12 located in casings 13, I4 respectively, the casing 13 being connected by a pipe 15 to the pressure side of the diaphragm chamber 33 and the casing 14 being connected by a pipe 16 which is connected to the pipe. 61, which pipe 61 as before stated, communicates with the pressure side of the diaphragm chamber-64. Thus when the release valves II and 12 are opened and the air permitted to exhaust from the diaphragm chambers, 33, 64, the valves 26, 21 and 42, 43 are free to return to their normal positions under the influence of return springs, not numbered, so that the exhaust passages 28 and 41 are open for the exhaust of air and when the exhaust valve 43 in the casing 4| opens, the air is free to exhaust from the pressure side of the diaphragm chamber 58 on the master valve 49 back through the pipe 41, valve casing 4| and out through exhaust port 44.

The trip or release lever 10 is'common to both release valves II, 12 and is here shown as mounted upon a rock shaft 11 having rock arms 18 and 19 thereon which press against the stems of the exhaust valves H and 12. When this release lever 10 is operated; obviously, the exhaust valves H and 12 will be opened. A momentary opening of these valves 1|, 12 is all that is necessary to effect the return of the valves 26, 21; 42, 43 and hence, the valves 52, 53 to their initial positions.

The various valve mechanisms making up the control mechanism are suitably mounted on the frame of the machine. These valve mechanisms form no part of this invention per se and insofar as this invention is concerned, they are merely controls for a motor and as the motor is fluid operated, they are valves. For other types of motors such as electric motors, the controls would naturally be electric switches.

The operating member for controlling the actuation of the motor and forming the subject matter of this invention, comprises in the illustrated embodiment hereof, a movable member or guard bar 80 preferably extending transversely across the operator side of the machine, that is, in this guard bar is located about waist high and is normally adjacent to the press but is movable outwardly away from the machine or press to cause orrequire the operator to step away from the machine and also may be constructed to push away or require an additional operator or opnected or displaced from operative relation with a coacting part of the press mechanism and the press cannot be operated. The press mechanism comprises the operating mechanism which closes the press, and as shown herein includes a motor means, and 'a control mechanism which controls the actuation of the operating mechanism which includes the operator actuated means, namely, the manuals 90 and 9| with their associated parts. One of these two mechanisms contains a disconnecting 'means which is in inoperative position when the movable member 88 is adjacent to the press and which is moved into operative position when the movable member 88 ismoved to its from the press. The disconnecting means cooperates with a coacting coupling part and is moved from inoperative position in relation thereto into operative relation thereto or operative position upon outward movement of the movable member away from the press.

The disconnecting means is particularly shown in the control mechanism so that no part of the operating mechanism is actuated should the operator actuated or manual means 98 and 9| be operated when the movable member 80 is adjacent to, the press. With the disconnecting means forming part of the control mechanism, themanual means 90 and 9| may be operated at will with the guard bar 80 in its position adjacent to the press without causing movement of an operating part. The disconnecting means may be included in or related to any part of the control mechanism, the primary purpose of the construction being that the motor means or operating mechanism be not operated upon actuation of the operator actuated means 90 and 9| so long motive fluid to the motor means I, 8 irrespective of the fact that the operator actuated means 90 and 9| have been actuated.

The guard or guard bar 88 is here illustrated as having an outward movement. The guard 80 is carried by upwardly extending swinging arms 8| and 82 which are pivoted at 83 at their lower ends to brackets 84, 85 at the base of the frame. These brackets carry housings 88, 81 into which the lower ends of the rock arms 8|, 82 extend and in which are located the valve casings and 4|. The swinging arms 8| and 82 give the guard bar 88 an outward swinging movement.

At the lower end of the rock arm 82 is carried a coupling part 89 for coactingwith the coupling part or lever 38. The coupling part 89 is located below'thc pivotal point 83 of the arm 82 and is normally outof effective or operative relation with the coacting coupling part 38 and is movable into-operative position therewith to operate said part when the bar 88 is swung to its outer or safety position.

As the press here illustrated, has a two'step operation, the coupling part 89 does not actuate the companion coupling part 36 when the guard bar 80 is moved to its outermost or safety position, but rather moves into a position in which the part 89 is over or in effective or operating relation'to the coupling part 36 so that an additional operator or particularly .a manual operat'on is required to actuate the'coupling part 36.

The additional operator actuated or manually operated parts as here illustrated, comprise a handle 9| pivoted at 92 to the arm 82 under the bar 88. This lever 9| extends along the' bar and is arranged so that it coacts with the bar as a pinch-handle. extending into the adjacent arm 82 which is Lever 9| has an arm 93,

tubular and coacting with a head 94 at the upper end of a push rod 95 extending lengthwise of coupling part or lever 36 of the control means 25 for the motor.

A similar grip handle 90 corresponds to the grip handle 9| and operates similar mechanism for controlling the operation of the lever 60 which controls the valves in the valve casing 4|. Since these two mechanisms are similar it is thought to be'suflicient if only one of the mechanisms is particularly described.

The downward movement of the rod 95 isagainst the action of a returning spring 91 located in the hollow arm 82. The coupling member 89 is pivotally mounted at 98 on the head or collar 96 and is acted upon by a spring 99 which normally holds it in the position shown in Figure 4. The coupling part 89 has a jack knife movement for the purpose hereinafter explained in connection with the operation of the machine. The devices described for operating the control means or valve 25 are operator actuated or manual means.

In the particular disclosure herein, the disconnecting means, represented by the parts 88 and 89, is provided between the operator actuated means, which includes the manuals 90 and 9|, and the control valves 25 and. 4| or some part of the control means operatively connected to the valves, such as the levers 36 and 60. In-this particular construction the operator actuated means or manual means, represented by the manuals 90 and 9| with the push rods 95 and their associated mechanism 88 and 89, are normally in inoperative position or relation with respect to the control means, or particularly the levers 36 and 60. Obviously, in this particular form of construction the control valves are not operated so long as the movable member 8| is in its position adjacent to the press, even though the manuals 90 and 9| are operated. The operator actuated means is, however, brought into operative relation with the control means 25 and 4| upon movement of the guard to its position away from the press. In the preferred construction the manual means with the manuals and 9| are carried by the guard bar, although this operator actuated means may be otherwise positioned, as desired. The purpose of the construction is that the operator actuated means be disconnected from the control means so long as the guard 80 is in its position adjacent to the press.

The outward movement of the bar 80 is against the action of a suitable returning spring I00 and the bar is limited in its outward swinging movement by a stop or shoulder |0| carried at therear end of a sliding rod [02 which rod is pivoted at its front end at |03 to the arm 8|. There is a similar rod connected to arm 82. The rod I02 is guided in a pivoted tubular guide I04 pivoted at I05 to a bracket I06 on the front leg of the machine. I, i

In operation, the operator after the work is laid on the buck 2 pulls the bar 80. outwardly from the full line position to tlfe dotted line position shown in Figure 1 and in so doing, must step away from the machine. Any other operator will be pushed away or given a warning by the bar 80 pushing against him, or in case the additional operator does not step back, the bar can not be moved to its outermost position in which position the press cannot be closed. The movement of thebar to its outermost position brings the lever 9| moving it toward the bar 80. This pushes the rod downwardly and shifts the companion coupling part 88 downwardly into engagement with the end of the lever or coupling part 36' to open the intake valve 26 and close the exhaust valve 21 thus permitting air to enter the-cylinder l and preliminarily close the press. While the press is preliminarily closed, that is, while the head is close to the buck but slightly spaced apart therefrom, air blowing and steam blowing and other analogous operations may be performed.

The operator then grips or .operates the other handle 90 and moves the corresponding rod .95

downwardly and thereby moves the coupling part 89 into engagement with the companion coupling part or lever'60. The intake valve 42 is opened and the exhaust valve 43 is closed which permits air to enter the cylinder 8 as before described-to actuate the piston therein to close the press under heavy pressure. The valves look as before explained in their operated position. To release the press, the operator operates the trip lever 10 as before explained. To close the press, the operator may grip both handles 90, 9| simultaneously and effect the closing of the press in one step or the operator may grasp and operate the lever 90 before he pulls the bar 80 outwardly. In this event, the press does not close until the guard bar 80 is moved to its outward position at which time the corresponding coupling part 88 will be pushed downwardly so that it will engage and operate the companion coupling part 36 when the bar 80 reaches its outer or safety position.

For a first step operation, the operator may grasp and operate both grip levers 90 and 9| when the bar 80 is in its normal position so that when the bar is swung to its outer or safety position, both coupling parts 89 will operate the companion control parts 36, 60 upon the outward movement of the safety bar 80. It will be observed, therefore, that the outward movement of the guard 80 with the actuators 89depressed will operate the control valve or valves.

After the press is closed upon releasing of the movable member or guard bar 80 or upon releasing of the holdingforce thereon, the spring I00 will return the bar to its normal position. The coupling parts 89 are free to yield or have an action analogous to a ratcheting action in the event, the operator still grips the handles 90, 9| or maintains her hold on the bar 80 when it is returning to its normal position. Ordinarily, these coupling parts 89 move away from the companion coupling parts 36, 60 to clear them when the handles 90 and 9| are released during the return movement of the. bar 80 by the spring I00.

What we claim is:

1. A garment or ironing press comprising, cooperating pressing jaws, operating mechanism to open and close the press,-control mechanism controlling the actuation of the operating mechanism including, a movable member shiftable inwardly towards and outwardly away from the press a distance suflicient to require the operator to step away therefrom, and operator actuated means for operating the control mephanism; and means included in one of the aforesaid mechanisms normally in inoperative position and connected with the movable member so that it is movable into operative position upon the ,outward shifting thereof.

means, control means controlling the actuation of the motor means, a movable member mounted on the operator side of the press and movable towards and away from the press, operator actuated means carried by the movable member for actuating the control means to control the closing of the press upon outward movement of said movable member away from the press, locking means to hold the press closed, and additional means for controlling the opening of the press independently of said member.

means for controlling the opening of the press."

4. A garment or ironing press comprising cooperating pressing jaws, operating mechanism for opening and closing, the press, including motor means, a movable member mounted on the operator side of the press and movable toward and away from the press, control mechanism connected with the motor means to control the closing ire of the press comprising, two coacting coupling parts normally disconnected from operative relation with each other, one coacting coupling part being shiftable by said movable member into operative relation with the other when the member is moved away from the press, and one of said coacting coupling parts being operable by the operator.

5. A garment or ironing press comprising cooperating pressing jaws, operating mechanism for opening and closing the press including motor means, a movable member mounted on the operator side of the press and movable toward and away therefrom, control mechanism connected with the motor means to control the closing of the press including, two coupling parts normally disconnected from operative relation with each other, one coupling part being shiftable by said movable member into operative relation with the other coupling part when said movable member is shifted away from the press, and release means for the control mechanism operable independently of said movable member.

6. A garment or ironing press comprising cooperating pressing jaws, mechanism for opening and closing the press, including motor means, a movable member mounted on the operator side of the press and movable away from the press, control means for the motor means to control the closing of the press, two coacting coupling parts one being shiftable by said movable member into effective relation with the other when said mem her is moved away from the press, and a manual carried by said member and connected to the shiftable coupling part, the manual being oper-v able after movement of the movable member away from the press to move the shiftable coupling part and actuate the other coacting coupling part when said parts are in coacting relation.

7. A garment or ironing press comprising cooperating pressing jaws, operating mechanism to open and close the press including motor means; control mechanism controlling the actuation of the motor means including a motor control means, a movable member shiftable inwardly towards and outwardly away from the press a distance suflicient to'require the operator to step away therefrom, operator actuated means for operating the motor control means, and means included in the operator actuated means and normally in inoperative position thereby being ineffective to operate the motor control means and connected with the movable member so that upon outward shifting of the latter the last-mentioned means is moved into operative relation thereby establishing operative relation with the control means.

8. A garment or ironing press comprising cooperating pressing jaws, operating mechanism to open and close the press including motor means, control means connected with the motor means, a movable member on the operator side of the press and being shiftable inwardly towards and outwardly away from the press a distance sufiicient to require the operator to step away therefrom, and operator actuated means for operating the control means, the operator actuated means being normally disconnected from operative-'relation with the control means and one of these means being connected with the movable member whereby upon the outward shifting of the movable member the operator actuated means is operatively connected with the control means whereby the control means is operable by the operator actuated means.

9. A garment or ironing press comprising cooperating pressing jaws, operating mechanism to open and close the press including motor means, control means connected with the motor means,

a movable member shiftable inwardly towards and outwardly away from the press a distance sufiicient to require the operator to step away therefrom, and operator actuated means carried by the movable member for operating the control means, the operator actuated means being normally disconnected from operative relation with the control means whereby upon the outward shifting of the movable member the operator actuated means is operatively connected with the control means.

10. A garment or ironing press comprising cooperatingpressing jaws, operating mechanism to open and close the press including motor means, control means connected with the motor means, a guard extending transversely of the press on the operator side thereof and shiftable inwardly towards and outwardly away from the press a distance suflicient to require the operator to step away therefrom, and operator actuated means for operating the control means, the operator actuated means being normally disconnected from operative relation with the control means and one of these means being connected with the guard whereby upon the outward shifting of the guard the operator actuated means is operatively connected with the control means.

11. A garment or ironing press comprising cooperating pressing jaws, operating mechanism to open and close the press including motor means, control means connected with the motor means, a guard extending transversely of the press on the operator side thereof and shiftable inwardly towards and outwardly away from the. press a distance sufficient to require the operator to step away therefrom, and operator actuated means carried by the guard for operating the control means, the operator actuated means being normally disconnected from operative relation with the control means whereby upon the outward shifting of the guard the operator actuated means is operatively connected with the control means 7 whereby the control means is operable by the operator actuated means.

12. A garment or ironing press comprising, 00-. operating pressing jaws, operating mechanism to open and close the press including motor means, control means connected with the motor means,

10 a movable member on the operator side of the press, a hinge pivotally supporting the movable member at the lower end thereof for permitting swinging of the same inwardly towards and outwardly away from the press a distance sufllcient to require the operator to step away therefrom,- and operator actuated means for operating the control means, the operator actuated means being normally disconnected from operative relation with the control means and being connected with the movable member so that upon the outward swinging of the movable member the operator actuated means is operatively connected with the control means whereby the control means is operable by the operator acthated means.

13. A garment or ironing press comprising cooperating pressing jaws, operating mechanism to open and close the press including motor means,

control means connected with the motor means,

' a guard extending transversely of the press on tance sufilcient to require the operator to' step away therefrom, and operator actuated means for operating the control means, the operator -actuated means being normally "disconnected from operative relation with the control means 40 and one of these means being connected with the swinging guard so that upon the outward swinging of the guard the operator actuated means and the control means become operatively connected whereby the control means is operable 4 by the operator actuated means.

14. A garment or ironing press comprising cooperating pressing jaws, operating mechanism to open and close the press including motor means, control means connected with the motor means, a guard extending transversely of the press on the operator side thereof, a hinge pivotally supporting the guard at the lower end thereof for permitting swinging of the guard inwardly towards and outwardly away from the press a distance 5 sufllcientg to require the operator to step away therefrom, and operator actuated means carried ,by the guard for operating the control means, the.operator actuated means being normally disconnected from operative relation with the con- Q trol means whereby upon the outward swinging of the guard the operator actuated means is operatively connected with the control means whereby the control means is operable, by the operator actuated means.

15. A garment or ironing press comprising cooperating pressing iaws, operating mechanism to open and close the pressdncluding motor means, control means connected with the motor means, a movable member on the operator side of the 7 press and being shiftable inwardly towards and outwardly away from the press a distance sufficient to require the operator to step away therefrom, operator actuated means for operating the control means, the operator actuated means being 75 normally disconnected from operative relation with the control means and one of said means being connected with the movable member so that upon the outward shifting of the movable member the operator actuated means and the control means become operatively connected, locking 5 means for holding the control means in operated position, and releasing means for the control means operable independently of the movable member, whereby the controlmeans is operable by the operator actuated means. 10

16. A garment or ironing press comprising co operating pressing jaws, operating mechanism to open and close the press including motor means, control means'connected with the motor means, a movable member on the operator side of the press and shiftable inwardly towards and out- "wardly away from the press a distance suiilcient operating pressing jaws, operating mechanism to open and close the press "including motor means, control means connected with the motor '1 means, a movable member shiftable inwardly towards and outwardly away from the press a distance sufllcient to require the operator to step away therefrom, means returning the movable member to its initial position adjacent to the press 35 when released by the operator, operator act ated means foroperating the control means incl ding means therein normally disconnected from operative relation to the control means and connected with the movable member so that upon the outward shifting of the movable member the disconnected means is moved into operative relation whereby the control means is operable by the operator actuated means, locking means for holding the control means in operated position, and releasing means for the control means.

18. .A garment-or ironing press comprising cooperating pressing jaws, operating mechanism to open and close the press including motor means, control means connected with the motor means, a guard extending transversely of the press on the'operator side thereof and shiftable inwardly towards and outwardly away from the press a distance suilicient to require the operator to step away therefrom, means returning the guard to its initial position adjacent tothe press when released by the operator, operator actuated means for operating the'control means including means therein normally disconnected from operative relation to the control means and connected with the movable member so that upon the outward shifting of the movable member the disconnected means is moved into operative relation whereby thecontrol means is operable by the operator actuated means, locking means for holding the .control means in operated position, and releasing means for the control'mean's.

19. A garment or ironing press comprising cooperating pressing jaws, operating mechanism to and outwardly away from the pressing jaws a distance sufficient to require the operator to step away therefrom, means returning the guard to its initial position adjacent to the press when released by the operator, operator actuated means for operating the control means including means therein normally disconnected from operative relation to the control means and connected with the guard so, that upon the outward swinging of the movable guard the operator actuated means and the control means become operatively connected whereby the control means is operable by the operator actuated means, locking means for holding the control means in operated position,

and releasing means for the control means.

20. A garment or ironing press comprising cooperating pressing jaws, operating mechanism to open and close the press including motor means,

to require the operator to step away therefrom,

operator actuated means, and means rendering the operator actuated means effective to actuate the control means only upon the outward shifting of the movable member.

21. A garment or ironing press comprising cooperating pressing jaws, operating mechanism to open and close the press including motor means, control means connected with the motor means, a movable member on the operator side of the press and shiftable inwardly towards and outwardly away from the press a distance sufflcient to require the operator to step away therefrom, operator actuated means carried by the movable member, and means connected with the movable member and ineffective to permit actuation of the control means by the operator actuated means until the-movable member has been shifted outwardly.

22. A garment or ironing press comprising cooperating pressing jaws, mechanism for opening and closing the press including motor means, a movable member mounted on the operator side ofthe press and shiftable away therefrom, the movable member being shifted by the operator, control means for the motor means, a manual carried by the 'movable member to operate the control means, coacting coupling parts carried by said control means and the movable member respectively and normally out of coacting relation,

the coupling part carried by the movable member being moved into operative relation with the other coupling part upon the outward shifting of the movable member, said manual being connected to the coupling part carried by the movable member and operable after the coupling parts are in operative relation to shift the same to actuate the other coupling part and the control means.

23. A garment or ironing press comprising cooperating pressing jaws, mechanism for opening and closing the press, including motor means, a guard located on the operator side of the press and extending substantially the full dimension of the operator side thereof and shiftable away.

therefrom, control means for the motor means, a coupling part connected with the control means, a coupling part shiftable by the guard .into coacting relation with the aforesaid coupling part upon the outward movement of the guard, and a manual carried by the guard and connected to the shiftable coupling part, the manual being operable after outward shifting of the guard to move the shiftable coupling part to actuate the first coupling part and the control means.

24. A garment or ironing press comprising co: operating pressing jaws, mechanism for opening and closing the press, including motor means, a guard bar located on the, operator side of the press and extending substantially the full transverse dimension of the operator side thereof and shiftable away therefrom, control means for the motor means, a coupling part carried by the control means, a coupling part connected with and shiftable by the guard bar into coacting relation with the first coupling part upon the outward movement of the guard bar, and a manual carried by the guard bar and connected to the shiftable coupling part, the manual being operable after outward shifting of the guard bar to move the shiftable coupling part to actuate the first coupling part and the control means, said manual being in the form of a pinch handle 'lying along the guard bar.

25. A garmen't'or ironing press comprising cooperating pressing jaws, mechanism for opening and closing the press, including motor means, a guard bar located on the operator side of the press and extending substantially the full dimension thereof and shiftable away therefrom, control means for the motor means, a first coupling part carried by the control means, a coupling part connected with and shiftable by the guard bar into coacting relation with the first coupling part upon the outward movement of the guard bar, a manual carried by the guard bar and connected to the shiftable coupling part, the manual being operable after outward shifting of the guard bar to move the shiftable, coupling part and actuate the first coupling part and the control means, a spring for returning the guard bar when released by the operator to its initial position, locking meanscontrolled by the closing of the press to hold the control means in its operated position, and release means for the control means to effect the opening of the press.

26. A garment or ironing press comprising cooperating pressing jaws, mechanism for opening and closing the press, including motor means, control means for the motor means, separate manuals for the control means operable to initiate a preliminary closing step and a full closing step of the press and both operable to initiate a full closing of the press in a one step operation, a guard bar on the operator side of the press and extending substantially the full dimension of the operator side, means supporting the guard bar for shifting movement away from the press, and means controlled by the guard bar for rendering the manuals operative to actuate the control means only when the guard bar is spaced from the press, said manuals being carried by the guard bar, and an enclosure surrounding the next aforesaid means so that the control means is operable only upon the outward shifting of the guard bar and operation of 'the'manuals.

27. A garment or ironing press comprising cooperating pressing jaws, operating mechanism to open and close the press including motor means,

control means connected with the motor means, a movable member on the operator side of the press and shiftable inwardly towards and outwardly away from the press a distance sufficient to require the operator to step away therefrom, means returning the movable member to its initial position adjacent to the press when released by the operator, operator actuated means for opcrating the controlmeans, the operator actuated means being normally disconnected from operative'relation with the control means and upon outward shifting of the movable member the operator actuated means is operatively connected with the control means whereby the control means is operable by the operator actuated means, locking means for holding" the press in operated position, and releasing means for the locking means.

28. A garment or ironing press comprising cooperating pressing jaws, operating mechanism to open and close the press including motor means, control mechanism connected with the motor means, a movable member on the operator side of 15 the press and shiftable inwardly towards and outwardly away from the press, a distance sufllcient to require the operator to step away therefrom, operator actuated means for operating the control means, means connected with the movable zomemberso as to render, the operator actuated means effective only when the movable member has been shifted outwardly, and an enclosure surrounding the next aforesaid means so that the mechanism is operable only upon outward shift- 25 ing of the movable member and operation of the control mechanism.

29. A garment pressing machine, comprising in combination, cooperative pressing elements; power operating mechanism therefor; means for 80 controlling the operation of the power operating mechanism including a pair of operator-operated controls both of which must be operated at the same time to initiate operation of the power operating mechanism to close the press; a mov I able member mounted in front of the pressing machine and movable near to and away from the pressing machine; means mounting the operatoroperated controls onsaid movable member; and means connected with the movable member and 40 controlled thereby to render one of the operatoroperated controls effective to cause operation of the power operating mechanism ongr when said movable member is in a position spaced from the pressing machine.

30. A garment pressing machine, comprising in combination, cooperative pressing elements; power operating mechanism therefor; means for controlling the operation of the power operating mechanism including a pair" of operator-operated A controls both of which must be operated at the same time to initiate operation of the power operating mechanism to close the press; a guard including a rail mounted in front of the pressing machine on upright support members for move- 55 merit of the rail toward and from the pressing 05- control-ling the operation of the power operating mechanism including a movable member mounted in front of the pressing machine and movable near to and away from the pressing machine; a pair of manual control devices mounted on the 70 movable member; and connections between the manual control devices and the power operating mechanism requiring movement of said movable member into a position away from the pressing machine and actuation of both manual control it devices. when the movable member is iii-such position, to initiate operation of the power mechanism to close the press. a I

32. A garment pressing machine comprising, cooperative pressing elements, power operating mechanism therefor, a guard rail movably mounted on the operator side of the machine for movement close to and away from the machine, means for controlling the operation 01 the power mechanism including elements fixed from movement with the guardrail, a pair of operatoroperated controls carried by the guardrail and movable relatively thereto, connections between the controls and said elements and operable upon movement of the guard rail into a position away from the machine to render the operator-operated controls carried by the guard rail operative to operate said elements and initiate the operation-of the power mechanism, the operation of both of said controls being required to initiate the operation of the operating mechanism, said connections being movable with the guard rail and shiftable thereby into position to coact with said elements, when the guard rail is shifted away from the machine and out of position to I coact with said elements when-the guard rail is shifted into a position close to the press.

33. In a garment pressing machine, in combination, cooperative pressing elements and operating mechanism therefor including fluid motor means to close the press under light pressure and to apply heavy pressure to the pressing elements,

means for controlling the supply of working fluid to the motor means for closing the press under light pressure including a first operator-operated member, means for controlling the supply of motive fluid to the motor means for closing the press under heavy pressure including a second operator-operated member and also a third operator-operated member, and means connected with the third operator-operated member and operated thereby in conjunction with one of the first and second operator-operated members to control the flow of motive fluid to the motor means.

34. In a garment pressing machine, in combination, cooperative pressing elements; operating mechanism therefor including, a first motor for closing the press under light pressure, and a secondmotor for closing the press under heavy pressure; valve means for controlling the flow of motive fluid to the first motor, valve means for controlling the flow of motive fluid to the second motor, separate operator actuated means for operating each of said valve means, a common operator actuated member, connections between said member and both of the operator actuated means so that operation of said common member and the separate operator actuated means moves both valve means to their'positions assumed to permit the efiective flow of motive fluid to the motors.

35. In a garment pressing machine, in combination, cooperative pressing elements; operating mechanism therefor including, a first motor for closing the press under light pressure, and a second motor for closing the press under heavy pressure; valve means for controlling the flow of motive fluid to the first motor, valve means for controlling the flow o1 motive fluid to the second motor, manuals and connections operated thereby for each "of said valve means, a

member common to both manuals and the connections operated thereby and operable into one position to move the connections out of position to operate the valves and into another position to move said connections into position to operate the valves when operated by the manuals.

36. In a garment pressing machine, in combination, cooperative pressing elements; operating mechanism therefor including, a first motor for closing the press under light pressure, and a second motor for closing the press under heavy pressure; valve means for controlling the flow of motive fluid to the first motor, valve means for controlling the flow of motive fluid to the second motor, manuals and connections operated thereby for each of said valve means, a member common to both manuals and the connections operated thereby and operable into one position to move the connections out of position to operate the valves and into another position to move said connections into position to operate the valves when operated by the manuals, and said common member being a guard movably mounted on the operator side of the machine.

37. A garment or ironing press comprising, cooperating pressing jaws one of which is movable towards and from the other; operating mechanism for actuating the movable jaw to open and close the press including, motor means; control means connected with the motor means, a movable member shiftable inwardly towards and outwardly away from the press a distance suflicient to require the operator to step away therefrom, a pair of operator actuated means for operating the control means and at least one of which is carried by the movable member, one ,of the operator actuated means being normally disconnected from operative relation with the control means and upon outward shifting of the movable member the operator actuated means is operatively connected with the control means. I 

